American Leadership Still Wants the "City on a Hill"

Over nearly four hundred years, the model of America as interpreted by those in power has not changed much. Both John Winthrop and George W. Bush speak of America's duty in similar terms. Both state that America is a model of order that should be looked upon by the rest of the world. Their concepts of freedom and how it should be obtained and upheld differ, but to them America should still be a servant of freedom. The main thing that has changed over this time is the scale. Winthrop's idea of freedom is confined to his own community setting an example. Bush's idea of freedom is to take the initiative to spread it around the globe.

One major aspect where these two men differ is the concept of America as a chosen nation. Winthrop is completely in favor of this idea. He believes he's doing the direct work of God. It's a Christian model that Winthrop claims to be upholding. It's a model where all men are not created equal, but at the same time the rich should not be too rich and the poor should not aspire to overthrow the rich. The Christian model also preaches a unity in brotherhood. A man may be superior in terms of wealth on Earth, but that does not apply in the glory of God. The chosen nation idea also appears as Winthrop discusses love for enemies. Aside from the fact that Winthrop points directly to the Gospels that this is how enemies should be treated, someone who feels that he is part of a chosen community does not have to feel threatened because to him he has God on his side.